I have alot to learn

**wrf01a** · 09-28-2008, 09:45 PM

I have been an installer for around 12 years, but until recently I have never considered a computer in my car (truck).

I don't listen to the radio and all my music is on an Ipod which is hooked up to the radio using an interface, also all of my video files are on a Video Ipod. I don't need all of these Ipods. Why can't I put everything on a hard drive and put a computer in the truck?

All the speakers in my truck are powered by amplifiers, so I don't see why a computer can't send an audio signal to the amplifiers or why it can't send a video signal to my two 5-inch screens.

I have alot to learn, the computer is the way to go. So what am I looking for in a mother board? Where do I go to learn more? Point me in the right direction. Will it be possible to bluetooth my phone to such a system?

**FusionFanatic** · 09-30-2008, 09:52 PM

best place to start learning is the FAQ section and the wiki.

your install will be made a little easier because you already have your speakers powered by outboard amplifiers.

your monitors will will work, but there are 2 problems with them that make them generally undesirable in a carPC system. I assume they are both low resolution composite video monitors. when hooked up to a computer; composite monitors display burry/fuzzy and sometimes unreadable text (depending on the font and font size). large button/text front ends can help with this but the picture will still be inferior when compared to VGA monitors. this FAQ helps explain it in greater detail.

the other problem with your monitors is the lack of a [usable] touchscreen. even if they have a touchscreen, you won't be able to use it for your carPC (unless you hack the monitor apart and install a new touchscreen/controller with USB interface).

as for motherboard recommendations, it depends on what you want out of your carPC. if you only want it play music and videos, then almost anything will do. if you want more out it then list what type of programs you plan to run and what hardware features you would like it to have.

BTW, welcome to carPC'ing!

**wrf01a** · 09-30-2008, 10:09 PM

Basically all I want is music, video and bluetooth capability. The monitors that I have would only be used for video, if thats possible. A seperate touch screen would need to be added.

What I would like as far as audio, is the ability to control 6 to 8 channels.

I do appreciate you taking the time to respond, thank you.

I have some reading to do

**HiJackZX1** · 10-08-2008, 06:37 AM

Originally Posted by wrf01a

Basically all I want is music, video and bluetooth capability. The monitors that I have would only be used for video, if thats possible. A seperate touch screen would need to be added.

What I would like as far as audio, is the ability to control 6 to 8 channels.

I do appreciate you taking the time to respond, thank you.

I have some reading to do

To navigate through the PC menus and what not, the composite screens will not be good. What you can do is install a 7 inch VGA main screen in the dash (replacing your headunit). That can be used to control the PC. Then simply when you play video it can go to the 2 screens you currently have. Just make sure the motherboard has VGA and a composite port on it and can use both of them. Some PCs i notice can only use one or the other (nowadays though most can use both and can have 2 diffrent things going on). You can also buy one with a VGA and s-video port, but will require a small adapter to make it composite.